raisingkidswithlove

You don't have to be perfect to be the perfect parent!

Category Archives: Growth and Development

Keep your precious cargo safe by using a car seat correctly!

♦ June 30, 2020 ♦ 1 Comment


Parents must be sure that their child’s car seat is being used correctly…we all have precious cargo! I read an study recently in the Journal of Pediatrics which really shocked me. A total of 291 families (81% of those eligible) participated. Nearly all (95%) CSSs were misused, with 1 or more errors in positioning (86%) …

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Taking Care of Your Child’s Teeth

♦ April 21, 2020 ♦ 4 Comments


This cute little smile cost us several thousand dollars later to straighten it out….but worth it! There is nothing cuter than a toothless grin of a baby.  Next the cute little pearly whites that erupt create a darling smile, then there is a toothless grin again as the tooth fairy starts to make visits to …

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Keep your child’s smile healthy and bright!

♦ April 20, 2020 ♦ Leave a comment


Image courtesy of American Dental Association I can remember that feeling of excitement when I first saw the top of a little tooth poking through our oldest child’s gum….I must admit I remember the shock the first time I felt that tooth when I was nursing too! (Remember, children can bite only if latched incorrectly, …

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What is in your discipline “bag of tricks”?

♦ April 7, 2020 ♦ Leave a comment


What is in your discipline bag of tricks? It was 7:30 am and my day was in full swing. I was chasing a two year old trying to get him dressed again. It is barely an hour into the day and I felt like I was on the verge of yelling and a time out …

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The “how to” of the discipline process

♦ April 7, 2020 ♦ 9 Comments


  Remember our mantra:  “Attention is attention to a child whether it is negative or positive, attention to a behavior reinforces it!”  And  “Consistency is the key.” A few pointers to start: 1.  Set realistic guidelines. Know your child’s developmental stage. As a parent, you may want your child to share his toys with friends, …

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Infants need play time too!

♦ February 25, 2020 ♦ Leave a comment


You are your baby’s first toy!  Play time is important for infants too!  Infants play by moving, by looking (especially you and that funny face), by exploring with hands, feet, and mouth, and by interacting physically (a little tickle), emotionally, and verbally.  The time your baby spends playing with you is invaluable.  You don’t have …

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How do you play with a toddler?

♦ February 25, 2020 ♦ Leave a comment


“I think of play as a toddler’s number one essential vitamin.  He needs large doses of it every day.  Play:  Thrills the senses.  Helps toddlers master movement.  Stretches the mind.  Stimulates language use.  Boosts friend-making skills.  Stimulates the immune system.  Builds self-confidence.  Improves nighttime sleeping.” Dr. Harvey Karp, MD  The Happiest Toddler on the Block                                                    …

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Picky Toddler Eating

♦ February 18, 2020 ♦ 12 Comments


Our daughter, Kaitlyn, the picture of  toddler pickiness! Why is it that we parents worry so much about how much our child is eating?  I can remember thinking that how well Kaitlyn ate that day, determined how well I had parented.  Not true!  Children under the age of one usually nurse or formula feed well, and …

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Introducing Solid Foods to Your Baby

♦ February 17, 2020 ♦ 4 Comments


Our daughter Kelsey loving her solid foods!  She was needing a dunk in the tub after this meal! I can remember the excitement of introducing the kids to their first tastes of “real food”.  The camera was ready, they were sitting up and eager, and that first bite often resulted in the funniest look as …

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What should be in your child’s playroom?

♦ December 2, 2019 ♦ 1 Comment


The Holiday Season is here and the shopping has begun!  I was in Target this past weekend, the toy choices are overwhelming and expensive!  What are the best toys for your child?  Which toys will be fun and valuable for your child’s development? It is difficult to decide what toys are the best choice! I …

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