PERTH GEMS - JULY 09 - PART ONE
2 Peter 1: 3-8
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For, if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
These were the questions that were asked during the meetings in Perth. If you would like to provide more details of your question, then I can give you a more personal answer.
What happens when the babies/toddlers are sick?
You cuddle them, give them extra attention and love them!
You will give extra grace to moaning and fussing as they are in pain or discomfort,
and not just whining to get their own way. You may well have a whole day on the
lounge with DVD’s, or the same toys all day, or with books, whatever keeps them calm and quiet. You can chose to gradually move back into your usual routine, or slowly build back up, depending on your personal preference. As someone once told me, when they are well enough to misbehave, they are well enough to have a consequence!
How do you deal with a 10 month old baby screaming, throwing small tantrums and doing things she knows is wrong?
Say “Oh dear, that’s a bad choice” (or similar, use the same phrase every time)
and isolate to a cot, porta-cot or playpen (totally out of sight of you).
Time your isolation (say 5 – 10 minutes) from AFTER the fussing has stopped.
When you reenter say “Good girl for having a happy face” (or similar, use the same phrase every time) and move on with your day.
Your calm consistency will reap change, prevent the tantrums from escalating to full-blown out of control performances and lay a great foundation for self-control in the toddler years!
What do I do about my 20 month old hitting or biting my 7 month old?
Firstly, plan your day so they are only together when you can closely supervise them. The rest of the day they can be together, but not physically able to reach other. Examples include both watching a dvd with the younger one securely in a highchair, having table time at opposite ends of the table, one in outside play, the other one-on-one time with mum, both playing in separate rooms at the same time.
When you do have them together, maybe twice a day for 20 – 30 minutes at first, teach them how to share, take turns, and touch each other nicely. This keeps the day mostly positive and is a great basis for their friendship.
What should a toddler’s day look like?
A sample schedule:
Breakfast
Room play
DVD time
Mummy time
Table time
Outside play
Lunch
Nap
DVD time
Outside play
Chores
Bath
Quiet free play or room play
Dinner
Family time
Bed ritual
Check out TERRIFIC TODDLERS for other ideas of WHAT
to put in along with the WHY of each activity.
What consequences do you use when toddlers come out of room time?
Firstly check that you have the best time of the day. Straight after breakfast seems to work well. Also ensure you have just a few toys (3 – 4 at most) that are reserved for room time. Music is also a great help, especially if room time always ends with the same song. A visual cue of the boundary, e.g. a cushion at the door can be helpful too. Start with small increments of time, say 5 or 10 minutes and praise lots for compliance. Having focus time just after room time is also helpful, as after a few days the toddler will realize that special mummy time comes soon. Gentle verbal encouragement and your calm consistency will reap fruit in a few weeks.
What do you think of occasional but regular daycare?
Being home with mum provides the best care for a child for loving and learning.
The joy of being with a child almost every day is so precious and a cherished memory. However this is not always feasible. A day or two with other children may be beneficial for an only child and may provide a needed break for mum, especially if she has other commitments, e.g. looking after an elderly parent or working. Also, a day or two a week in the year before attending school can help with that huge transition. Finding a centre that has a adult directed, structured day, and with a low carer-to-child ratio is best.
