Childcare

Tips for Toilet Training Success !

lba-admin — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 15:46:00 +0000

Tips for Toilet Training Success !

lba-admin Wed, 02/06/2019 - 10:46

The right tools - and a lot of patience - will go a long way when potty training your child.

Learning to go to the bathroom “all by yourself” is a huge milestone for any child to attain, one they each meet at their individual pace.

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that toilet training a child takes a lot of patience, time and understanding. Most children do not become fully toilet trained until they are between 2 and 4 years of age.

With the right guidance and encouragement, your child will be able to go when they are developmentally ready, however, this timing does not necessarily coincide our timetable or expectations. Every child eventually trains herself, and that is the secret to toilet training success.

Many parents can put an undo amount of stress on themselves and their child by setting a fixed age in their mind of when they want their child potty-trained. It is not necessary and often times will create the reverse effect. Focus on making toilet time a fun learning experience and a bonding opportunity. Before you know it, you’ll be telling your grown child, “I used to change your diapers!”

Stay Tuned In. Children will often give us clues letting us know when they’re ready to start toilet training especially when they're in child care or a group care setting.

Can your child follow directions easily?
Does your child tell you when her diaper is dirty?
Are they curious about or want to sit on the toilet or potty chair?
Is your child’s diaper still dry after sleeping or after a nap?
These are signs that your child might be ready to start toilet training.

Are You Prepared? Your child isn’t the only one that needs to be prepared to make this be transition away from diapers. Toilet training will also change your daily schedule. Are YOU ready?

Be prepared to wash more laundry.
Purchase extra paper towels and other cleaning products to clean-up any accident.
Starting on a weekend is the ideal schedule for working parents so clear your calendar.
Most importantly, are you ready to muster extra patience and say positive and encouraging?
If so, then you are also ready to potty train your child!

Training Tools. All jobs require the right tools. When you and your child are ready to start toilet training, here are some tools to help you succeed!

Super Fun Underwear! When you’re ready to start toilet training, make a special date with your child to go shopping for underwear. Let your child pick the type of underwear they want and make it a really fun day! Buy extra, you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand. This will enable you to keep extras in the bathroom, in the car, at grandma’s and in your purse so your child can change easily after an accident.

Special Basket. Have a special basket for your child to throw their dirty underwear. It will avoid a mess in your laundry basket and keep the whole family happier! Having your child feel in control even during accidents is a great way to build confidence.

Potty Chair. You might want to consider a potty chair that sits on the floor. Children seem to have a greater sense of security without an oversized toilet, giant steps going up and swirling, flushing water below. We give children little spoons, little beds, little cups and little books. Little potties just make sense!

Reading Materials. Keep a special basket of books for in the bathroom. Your child will have so much fun reading they might even forget where they are sitting. Reading can also relax them and help to make them go to the bathroom. If adults enjoy reading in the bathroom, children can too!

Routine. Create a toilet routine. Make toilet time part of the everyday schedule. When you find that your child’s diaper is dry after a nap, start the routine of heading to the bathroom as soon as your child wakes up. Your child will have a better chance of success when their bladder is full right after waking.

Stickers. It’s no secret that children love stickers. Try keeping a sticker chart and let your child add a sticker every time they have any success. When the stickers add up, give you child a treat - a book, a snack or special time with you.

Remember, accidents happen! Major life events, such as a new sibling or a new school, can cause anxiety in children. This anxiety can be expressed physically instead of verbally. That’s normal. Your child may not know how to tell their new teacher they need to go to the bathroom or is too embarrassed to say anything. Talk to the teacher and ask them to check-in with your child to let them know that they are there to support them.

Also, many children who have accidents are just so involved in playing and learning that they forget to go to the bathroom. Remind your child every hour while they are training and continue reminding them until they are in full control. If your child is doing the so-called “pee-pee dance” or is unable to talk without wiggling, it may be time for a visit. Don’t waste any time asking your child, just grab their hand, sing “It’s time to read the potty book!” and head straight to the bathroom.

Setback Before Success. Finally, if your child seems frustrated or upset by their toilet training efforts, there is no harm in hitting the “Pause” button and switching back to diapers. It doesn’t confuse your child if you stop and start again. Sometimes a few months or even just a few weeks can make the learning process happen almost effortlessly overnight.

Most importantly, just relax! And remember: Children don’t go to college in diapers!

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Childcare

Potty Training

Daycare

Growing Up Only But Never Lonely

lba-admin — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 19:50:36 +0000

Growing Up Only But Never Lonely

lba-admin Mon, 04/16/2018 - 15:50

Somehow, society has many of us believing that only children are all spoiled, lonely, and selfish. Common knowledge tells us that only children are at a serious disadvantage when compared with children who have brothers and sisters and their parents are sometimes given similar labels. There is no basis for these social stereotypes and we all know whether you have one child or more, that parenting is a tough job. It’s our parenting style not the number of children we have that influences how an only child, any child for that matter, turns out. So with that in mind, all children are at risk for being spoiled.

“When are you going to have another child?” is the question many parents of ‘onlies’ hear from family, friends and even strangers. After all, how else will their toddler learn to share? How will their preschooler learn to relate to other children? So for many families the answer to, “When are you going to have another child?” is “Never.” Some parents may want more children and are unable to have them, but the majority of families with one child have made a conscious choice in selecting the one-child option. Why are parents choosing to have one child? There are many reasons: couples marrying later in life, women choosing career development before having children, the desire to maintain a certain quality of life, and of course, economic considerations. Children are expensive.

Having only one child is NOT a bad thing, despite the talks of society. Below are some positive points about having only one child.

Intelligence. Only children, like first-borns, generally have been found to score slightly higher on measures of intelligence than younger siblings. Diverging results of intelligence research may be explained by focusing on factors within the family unit that affect intellectual development. Such experiences might include, for example, parents' provision of an "enriched" intellectual environment.
Achievement. As is the case for intelligence, achievement (both academic and other kinds) in only and first-born children appears to be slightly greater than for later-born children. To explain this phenomenon, theorists have considered the specific relationship between parents and children. Presumably, achievement motivation originates in the high standards for mature behavior that parents impose on their only and first-born children.
Affiliation. Some research indicates that only children may be slightly less affiliative than their peers. Specific research findings have shown that only children may belong to fewer organizations, have fewer friends, and lead a less intense social life. However, these investigations have additionally noted that only children have a comparable number of close friends, assume leadership positions in clubs, and feel satisfied and happy with their lives.
Peer Popularity. Research on the popularity of only children also has been mixed. Some findings suggest that, because only and first-born children have no older siblings with whom to interact, they acquire a more autocratic and less cooperative interactive style than do other children.
Self-Esteem. Like peer popularity studies, investigations of self-esteem in the only child have netted mixed results. Different investigations have variously indicated that children in each of three groups (first-borns, last-borns, and only children) possess the highest level of self-esteem. Consistent findings may prove possible if further consideration is given to the types of self-esteem measures used, the age of the subjects, and parental and sibling contributions to the development of self-esteem.

Are There Advantages to Being an Only Child? There are definitely advantages for the parents, only one set of teeth to brush, besides our own, one college savings fund, and an absence of sibling rivalry. That alone, may be the greatest benefit. And only children may have a few advantages as a result of their special status, too, more attention from their parents, their own freedom from sibling rivalry and comparison, and access to more family resources. For only children, we have more time to focus on the general aspects of child development and learning and can give our children that individual attention that makes such a difference. Studies have proven that many only children often do better in life for the same reasons that first-borns do. First-borns have their parents’ individual attention for those important first few years and benefit from greater stimulation. As a result, only children, like first-borns, are often higher achievers later in life. In the case of the only child, this individual attention is available throughout childhood.

Relax, being a confident parent of an ‘only’ makes us question our parenting abilities. Errors in judgment come with the parenting territory. Don't worry about every little thing, we all make mistakes. Unfortunately, those of us with ‘onlies’ tend to think our child's problem stems from his or her singularity. Most times these issues are normal developmental stages and difficulties that any child, whether one or one of many, may experience.

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Only Child

Socialization

Childcare

The Benefits of Playing Outside

lba-admin — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 19:41:19 +0000

The Benefits of Playing Outside

lba-admin Mon, 04/16/2018 - 15:41

Now that warmer weather is here, it's time to take your children outside to play! Nature is a powerful teacher and giving your toddlers and preschoolers the opportunity to play outside has many benefits.

Outdoor play is fun and children who are happy are thriving learners. They are naturally glad when they are playing and creating outside because being outside is exciting! Outdoor play involves many different senses. While outdoors, encourage your children to see, hear, smell and touch new things.

Playing outside also stimulates creativity. Rocks, twigs and soil present so many unique opportunities for play. Suggest an activity where your child can build a tower with rocks and sticks or help your child to dig for insects. Time in nature helps children to observe patterns. The natural world is overflowing with patterns. Help your child count the petals on flowers, the veins on a leaf, or the rings on a tree stump. Pattern building is a crucial early childhood development math skill.

In addition, playing in nature also reduces anxiety. Time spent outside helps children to relax and imagine new things. Ask your child to tell you what they see when they look at the clouds. Maybe they see a dinosaur or a ballerina?

Playing outside helps children to also learn to give respect to other living things and improve their communication skills. When studying ants, worms or ladybugs, children can learn that these creatures are very important to our environment. Ask your children, "Do you know what a worm's job is?" Be prepared for funny answers and then use this time as a teaching opportunity.

Lastly, outdoor play increases children’s physical activity. Children who play outside are less likely to be significantly overweight and more likely to be active learners. Even just a few minutes of running outside helps children to feel free and release that stored up energy. An added benefit: after exercise, children will be more likely to sit and listen to the next activity when they have had the opportunity for outside play.

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outdoor play

Childcare

Daycare

Potty Time? Toilet Learning Myths.

lba-admin — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 19:19:47 +0000

Potty Time? Toilet Learning Myths.

lba-admin Mon, 04/16/2018 - 15:19

1. Children who are potty trained at an earlier age are more successful in school and life.

College applications don’t ask, “At what age did you give up diapers?” Most toddlers are ready to toilet train between the ages of 24 and 36 months. Even if your child is potty trained at eighteen months there’s no guarantee that they’re headed down Ivy League lane. And just because your child isn’t trained until three years old doesn’t mean she’s not going to Harvard. There’s no direct correlation between success in school and life and the age your child learns “to go” on her own. Relax; children don’t go to college in diapers.

2. The smarter the child, the faster they’ll potty train.

Actually, bright, curious children are sometimes so busy exploring the world around them that potty training is not a priority and they may even resist training. A toddler once told me, “If you stop wearing diapers, you have to stop playing to go to the bathroom.” Potty training can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. So with the right encouragement from you, let your toddler move at their own pace and take their time. Sometimes the potty learning process happens almost effortlessly overnight.

When should your child be potty trained? At what age your toddler learns to go to the potty and how quickly they get it is different for every child. Here are some things your child should be able to do and some hints to let you know when they are ready before you start to encourage it:

My child can follow directions easily.
My child can pull clothing and underwear up and down.
My child’s diaper is often dry after nap or for longer periods of time.
My child tells me that their diaper is dirty.
My child knows when they are going in their diaper.
My child is interested in the bathroom.
My child wants to sit on the toilet or potty-chair.
My child is not going through any significant life changes like a new sibling or new house.

3. Good parents potty train their children by age two or earlier.

Potty training isn’t really training at all - it’s potty learning. If you start potty training too early, your child may become frustrated because they are unable to physically do what you want. Your child will go to the potty when they’re ready, not when grandma or even preschool is ready for them to go. Some how, some way, every child eventually “trains themself” and that is the secret.

Here are a few things you should think about before getting started:

I am willing to wash unlimited amounts of laundry. (So, what’s different about that?)
I am prepared with paper towels and cleaning products when my house, furniture, clothes and child need to be cleaned after an accident.
I will say positive, say encouraging things to my child when I really want to scream.
I am ready to stay home for a couple of days to start the process. (A weekend is good start for working parents. Don’t forget to talk to your child’s teacher.)
I am getting ready to have another child and decided I didn’t want to have two in diapers.
I will be patient.
I admit that my child will be potty trained and that “when” it is not a direct correlation of how much money she will earn.

4. Training pants and disposable underwear make potty training easier.

I never used training pants on my children. I just went for the real thing during the day, underwear. Some parents may prefer the plastic pant or disposable underwear for easier cleaning, but I preferred the “dribble down the leg” style for the instant recognition that if you forget to go in the potty, it really feels yucky. If you do go the underwear route, buy lots. I mean at least ten pairs. Whether it’s Frozen underwear, or Barney, the character undergarments really seem to give children a sense of power and self-confidence. It’s worth the investment.

There are lots of products to help make potty training easier - you can decide what is right for you. The one thing I think is a “must have” is a potty-chair that sits on the floor. Children seem to have a greater sense of security without the cold porcelain, giant step up and the circling water below. We give toddlers little spoons, little beds, little cups and little books. Little potties just make sense.

5. When your child is potty training only a couple of accidents should happen.

During potty training, accidents happen. And often it feels like they happen and happen and happen again. Some children have lots of accidents and others only a few. How do you make it to the bathroom in time? Sometimes your child will tell you, “I have to go,” but some how their feet won’t move. Yell, “Hurry to the potty and I’ll count how long it takes you to go.” Now start counting. At least if the accident is in the bathroom it’s easier to clean up than one on the carpet. If your toddler is doing the “pee-pee dance,” unable to talk without wiggling around or folded in some contorted position, they probably have to go. Don’t even ask, “Do you have to go to the bathroom?” You’ll lose too much time. Grab them by the hand, head for the facilities and sing, “Let’s go potty.” Any tune will do.

Create a toileting routine. Make “potty time” part of your everyday schedule, just like brushing teeth or getting ready for a nap. When you find that your toddler’s diaper is dry after a nap, start the routine of heading to the potty as soon as your child wakes up. Your little one will have a better chance of success since they probably need to go. My mother used to run the water in the sink to try to get me to “pee.” It worked, but unfortunately even as an adult, whenever I hear the water running, I head straight for the bathroom.

Whether you use pull-ups, training pants or underwear, have plenty on hand and keep them in the bathroom so your child can change easily after an accident. Also have a place in the bathroom for your child to throw the underwear that just didn’t make it. (Some underwear is just not worth saving. Trust me.) Having your child feel in control even during accidents is the best way for success.

6. No more accidents for children who are really potty trained.

Dr. Kevin Roche of Hunterdon Medical Center says, ”Even months after your child has successfully learned to go to the potty, accidents may occur.“ Remind your child every hour while they are training and continue reminding them until they are in full control. When your little one is tense about things that are happening in their life, a new home or sibling, they may have more accidents. That’s normal. When life smoothes out, so will the accidents. Keep your cool. The last thing you want to do is clean up puddles from your preschooler when you have a new baby in hand. Although, it’s just part of the job.

If your child is having lots of accidents when they start at school, or transitioning classrooms, it may be that they are anxious about the new situation. But it may just be that they just don’t know how to ask to go to the bathroom, is embarrassed to tell the teacher or go around other children. Talk to your child’s teacher.

7. If parents really want to potty train their child, they have to be tough.

On the contrary, nurturing, positive, patient parents foster learning success in any learning situation and this is especially true with toilet training. Try considering each accident a near-success instead of a near miss. Control your frustration when cleaning up each mess and be positive. In a calm voice, explain what happened to your child and then encourage that they do it in the potty next time. You might say, “I see you did pee-pee. That’s great. Next time let’s do your pee-pee in the potty so no one steps in it.” As parents, we see potty messes as definitely worse than “spilled milk.”

Giving a child a reward for going to the potty really works for some children. Try keeping a chart and let your child put on a sticker or smiley face every time they go to the potty. When the stickers add up then treat your child to some special time with you. Play their favorite game or do their favorite activity.

Remember, you’ll get lots of ideas on how to toilet train, but don’t stress. Make it a fun learning and bonding experience with your little one. All too soon you’ll be able to tell your grown child, “I used to change your diapers.”

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You Are a Good Mother!

lba-admin — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 18:57:42 +0000

You Are a Good Mother!

lba-admin Mon, 04/16/2018 - 14:57

All moms have those days when they feel they are running on empty. Their inner voice tells them "they are doing it wrong" or they can't compare with the supermoms who manage a job and family, cook organic meals, take their child to music lessons and do yoga five times a week! Talk about unrealistic expectations and mommy meltdowns.

Take the pressure off of yourself and realize you are doing a good job and you are a good mother! You absolutely LOVE your children. You want what's BEST for them. You work hard and make SACRIFICES for them. These actions are what makes you a good mother. Try not to compare yourself with other moms. The truth is they struggle with feelings of insecurity too. (They really do, despite the outward appearances).

Start tuning in to your own self-confidence and figure out works best for you and your family. Children tend to enjoy the small things in life. So, focus on doing certain things well. Maybe you have a natural talent for crafts and projects, but you're not such a great cook. Then celebrate your free time with your children by creating the latest masterpiece for the refrigerator and order pizza for dinner. You'll feel much more relaxed in your parenting choices by giving yourself a chance to take it easy sometimes. Your children will remember the quality time you spend together when they grow up, not the fancy dinner you cooked last night.

You should also treat yourself to a massage, haircut or manicure/pedicure every once in a while. If you never invest some time in yourself, you may feel stressed and resentful. A well-deserved break enables you to come back refreshed and renewed so that you are more equipped to love and care for those special little people in your life!

Try to slow down...a little. Hold your child's hand. Listen to their sweet voice. Smell their hair. Enjoy these precious moments of giggles and hugs and kisses and songs. We all know how fast they grow, so enjoy your beautiful kiddos!

Today and everyday it is important to remember, “There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” —Jill Churchill.

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Mother

Childcare

working parent

Music & How it Benefits Your Child!

lba-admin — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 18:08:03 +0000

Music & How it Benefits Your Child!

lba-admin Mon, 04/16/2018 - 14:08

There are so many ways that parents can connect with their infants, toddlers and preschoolers, but music is probably one of the most fun and beneficial to your young child's growth and development. Whether it's singing a lullaby at bedtime, passing the time on road trips with silly songs or reminding children to do a simple task like brushing their teeth, music has a positive outcome on children.

Believe it or not, some researchers have found that early musical training benefits children even before they can walk or talk by smiling more, communicating better and easier to soothe when upset. In addition, certain studies show that music stimulates parts of the brain that are related to reading, math and emotional development.

Participating in music at an early age also improves a child's memory, helps children socially by letting them break out of their shell and teaches them discipline. And when you combine dance or movement, children learn how to control their bodies, develop hand-eye coordination and experience a fun way to exercise. Who knew "I'm a Little Tea Pot" was so educational?

There are so many ways you can use music to help your child's development. Here are just a few:

Encourage your child to listen for beats or count them in a song.
Practice clapping or tapping the beats to a favorite song and have your child do the same.
Put on music and dance together.
Have your child walk on tiptoes when you listen to high, quiet music, and stomp his or her feet to louder, slower music.

As you sing and dance together, the music will not only create special memories, but will also help your child develop concentration skills. Have fun!

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Music

Childcare

Daycare

eFamily Playdates

lba-admin — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 18:02:10 +0000

eFamily Playdates

lba-admin Mon, 04/16/2018 - 14:02

What is a play date? A play date is a preplanned, scheduled opportunity for two or more children to get together and play. Play dates can happen at people’s homes, parks, children’s museums or anywhere children can have a good time and interact with one another. For toddlers and young preschoolers, parents of each child usually attend until the adults and children feel comfortable with one another, become familiar with the location and understand that parental behavior expectations can be very different.

Children need unstructured, relaxed time to spend alone and also with children of the same age. When playing with others, they learn socialization skills like cooperation and attempts at sharing. But most importantly, they should have fun.

If our children are at Lightbridge Academy all week do they really need play dates, too? Children who spend time in preschool or child care have lots of socialization opportunities. Weekend time as a family is a precious commodity that doesn’t need to be compromised by play dates. The number of play dates our children have doesn’t make them more popular or you better parents. Relax; children grow up just fine with or without play dates.

Childhood play dates aren’t as tricky as high school dates, but there are some basic guidelines that can help make the experience more successful for you and your little one.

Choose a location that allows for active play. Locations that require sitting and being quiet like libraries, movie theaters or performing arts locations will be frustrating for the children if their main objective is to play. A home or park is good places to start.
Limit the number of children. The more children who are in a playgroup, the more interaction and the greater chance of squabbling. Older children may want to choose whom to invite.
Schedule an hour or so. Give children adequate time to warm up to each other and enjoy playing, but be aware that after an hour even the children best at sharing can start to tire.
Put away special toys. Before the playmates arrive, let your child chose two or three toys to put away that they would not be required to share.
Establish a sick policy. Parents have different expectations regarding children and illness. If runny noses aren’t welcome, make that clear when you set up the play date.
Let children play at their own pace. Although we may be anxious for our child to play with others, give them time to warm up and accept that young children may choose to play independently.
Give an ample good-bye warning. Give your child a five-minute warning before it’s time to go. You’re more likely to have a smooth transition leaving if they have a chance to finish playing. Give a longer warning if you want to include time for clean up.

As children get older and more familiar with people and places away from home, they’re able to have play dates where we drop them off for a few hours alone. And those are the very best play dates of all, except when it’s time to host the play date at your house.

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Playdate

Childcare

Socialization