Beautiful art and craft kit - wonderful gift for creative children

Djeco's Glitter Boards are a very simple concept but the end result is absolutely stunning: Each of the 4 cards in this set have sticky areas that you reveal by removing their covers with the provided tool. You then sprinkle some glitter powder on the sticky areas and presto! you have a beautifully glittered picture! Often the use of glitters is an bit of a nightmare because of the mess that results, but as usual with Djeco everything has been thought of: the box doubles as a worktop and once you are finished with one colour, simply tip the box over and pour the scattered glitter back in to its container thanks to the clever hole made in one of the box's corners! The Glitter Butterflies Art Kit from Djeco includes six tubes of colorful glitter, special tool and brush, as well as instructions to create four stunning pieces of artwork featuring pretty little insect creatures in their flowery fields. Suitable for children aged 7 to 15. http://astore.amazon.co.uk/gillsonlinegems-21/detail/B008XKVZMG

Dealing with Death and Caring for your Children by Susan Leigh

In the UK alone twenty-two people die every day leaving their children to be raised by either one or no parents. Multiply this by the number of days in the year and it reveals a very large number of children and young people who are left in a bereaved situation. How do we protect our children, help them to cope if they are ever unfortunate enough to find themselves in this situation? - On a practical level it's important that they are protected financially and emotionally as much as possible. Ensure that you have an up-to-date will with financial provision made for your children. Discuss what you want to happen to your children in the event of your death. It may be a tough, difficult and unpleasant conversation but it's important that you've discussed and noted where they will live and with whom in case one or both parents were to die, say in an accident. - Children need to learn about the different experiences they will meet throughout their lives and death is no exception. With allowances for their age, allow them to be involved in the death of a pet. Children can find preparing their dead goldfish or hamster for burial surprisingly therapeutic; encourage them to find a suitable box for the coffin, select a burial site in the garden, maybe find a poem or a few words to say, even visit the grave afterwards. It can be a comforting experience for a child. - Elderly relatives dying can be an important part of a child's education. Learning that old people die is often accepted quite readily by children. Death can seem a distant, abstract concept to them, especially in regard to older people. They do however, sometimes find it hard to accept that they will then never see the loved grandparent again. They may understand that 'they've gone to heaven' but then expect them to come and visit in time for tea. Being patient and providing reassurance that their grandparent is fine, happy, okay but no longer around can often help children to eventually settle. - It's important to agree as a family how much you tell your children when someone close has died. This information needs to be consistent, especially in the sad event of one of their young school friend's dying. Religion and faith may be a part of what you choose to say, but it's also important to provide some space for your children to grieve and come to terms with their loss in their own way. - Children are incredibly sensitive to atmosphere and will often keep quiet and not talk about their feelings or reveal the depth of their loss and distress if they're afraid of adding to their grieving parent(s) anguish. Allow the opportunity for children to talk about the deceased friend, parent or relative, perhaps have photographs on display, comforting rituals on certain important days. Encourage reminiscences, memories and conversations about the deceased person as a natural part of your daily conversation if so desired. - It may be that Sunday has become a difficult part of the week because mother is no longer there to cook the weekly family roast. As a consequence, Sunday can become a day that everyone dreads. It may be that some family members hermit away in their rooms and eat a sandwich, but is that really the best way to recover from her death? Why not introduce new routines where perhaps everyone joins in to make the Sunday meal together and learns to laugh at the first disastrous attempts? - Start a family discussion and lead by telling the children what you consider to be the best way for you all to move on. Explain that it's okay to be upset at times but that you're all in this together, there for each other and that everyone is allowed to express how they feel. Some children don't want to talk at all about painful subjects. Instead, they may find it therapeutic to keep a private journal or draw pictures about their family, documenting their feelings, the things that are on their mind. If they're able to join a group with children who are in the same situation as themselves that can be particularly supportive and healing. - A pet can be an especially comforting solution for a distressed, grieving child. Having a young animal companion to look after, care for, talk to, confide in, maybe sleep with often helps bring a child out of their grieving state and come to terms with what's happened. Other children may find comfort from talking with a trusted family friend, neighbour, close relative or even a counsellor. Finding an outlet that brings comfort is an important part of the healing process. - Be sure to reassure children about the family situation after the death of a parent. Some children worry dreadfully about money and question if there is enough to pay the bills, worry about the remaining parent and whether they are alright, worry about going to school and leaving their parent at home. Try to demonstrate that you are well, coping, missing the person who's gone but are picking up the pieces as well as you can. Follow Susan Leigh on Twitter: www.twitter.com/susanleigh1 MORE: Children Parents Family Feelings Death Die

How you Talk to Babies Can Affect their Memories by Elise Sole

You may feel silly speaking to your baby in a high-pitched, squeaky voice while reading to him or playing games. But a new study conducted by Brigham Young University found that babies are much more likely to remember experiences if there is a positive emotion or affect attached to them. Researchers rounded up a group of 5-month-old infants and exposed them to either positive, negative, or neutral-sounding voices while showing them geometric shapes. They repeated the exercise over several days, showing them the same shapes, along with new ones. Results showed that babies best remembered a shape when it was associated with a happy voice or face.

“Cheerful, upbeat, positive voices promote learning, language, and memory,” Ross Flom, PhD, a professor of psychology, tells Yahoo Parenting, “The idea, positivity heightens attention span and when babies are attentive, they’re better able to process information and form memories.” The trick is to use baby talk at specific times. “If a baby is fussy, it’s better to soothe him,” says Flom. “Wait until he’s in a better mood before using a high-pitched voice and let his cues guide you.” Science has long proved how remarkably early memory forms in babies. Finnish researchers recently found that as a fetus is developing, particularly in the third trimester, it can hear sounds from the world and even retain them after birth. “If you put your hand over your mouth and speak, that’s very similar to the situation the fetus is in,” cognitive neuroscientist Eino Partanen of the University of Helsinki, told Science magazine. “You can hear the rhythm of speech, rhythm of music, and so on.” In fact, one behavioral study conducted in 1988 found that newborns could recognize the theme song from their mother’s favorite soap opera (seriously).

That said, don’t bother trying to “teach” your unborn baby how to say “Mama,” for example. According to Partanen, there’s no evidence that anything other than the sounds of daily life are beneficial. Ditto for placing earbuds playing classical music on a mother’s pregnant stomach — doing so can disrupt a baby’s sleep cycle. Still, it’s inevitable that babies will encounter negativity from time to time. So if you find yourself having an argument with your husband or are playing an action movie too loudly where the baby is playing, he or she won’t suffer any longterm consequences. “You won’t scar the baby,” says Flom. https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/how-you-talk-to-babies-can-affect-their-memories-103568587132.html

How to get your child to talk about their day by Melissa Walker

On the first day of preschool this year, I excitedly picked up my daughter, eager to hear all about her adventures that day. We went to a smoothie place and sat down at a table. “So…” I said, “How was your day?” No response. “What did you do at school?” Eyes on straw. “Do you like your teacher?” Nada. Through trial and error, I’ve learned that the one question that gets my 3-year-old to open up is, “What made you laugh today?” But it took a week or two of getting zero information to stumble upon success. Yahoo Parenting spoke to Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and author of the forthcoming book “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do,” as well as a few parents, for ideas on how to get your kid to share his or her day.

Preschool “In the preschool years, it’s helpful to have enough information that you can ask specific questions,” Morin tells Yahoo Parenting. “Young children often forget what they did during the day or have trouble identifying what to talk about.” She suggests talking to the teacher at pick-up about what activities the class did that day. Then you can give a prompt such as, “Tell me what you learned about whales today.” And ask follow-up questions: “What did you think when you read that story?” According to Morin, you’ll help guide the narrative while jogging your kid’s memory. Parent Tips “Play the ‘Who did something…’ game. ‘Who did something funny/smart/naughty/interesting today?’ That always elicits more than the run-of-the-mill shrugs.” — Kate Messner “I ask about details like, ‘Did this person come to school today? Was he wearing that green sweater he likes?’ Or something random and silly like, ‘Did you tell your teacher about the big dinosaur we saw?’ It gets them thinking about specifics and makes me more informed and engaged.” — Georgia McBride

Elementary School A short attention span for conversation is an issue for many elementary school kids, so Morin suggests distracting them with an activity, such as an an art project or playing catch, while you chat. “That helps them feel less on the spot, and they’re more willing to talk when their hands are busy,” says Morin. If you’re looking for insight into their social lives, questions like, “What did you do at recess today?” or “Who did you eat lunch with?” work because they beg specific, clear answers about a child’s friendships. Morin also suggests that academic updates be gathered with questions like, “What’s the hardest thing you did in class today?” coupled with, “What’s was the easiest part of school today?” That way, you’ll acknowledge their interests and strengths as well. Parent Tips “I always try to answer in detail when I’m asked about my day to model that for them. Some kids are talkers and some aren’t, so for mine it also helps to start the conversation with the siblings together — the competitive juices sometimes spur the non-talker to spill.” — Jennifer Klon “My husband, my six-year-old and I all take turns during dinner sharing three things about our day. Having everyone participate really helps — our daughter keeps track and actually calls us out if we don’t share three.” — Nanette Marcus

Middle School “Avoid too many targeted questions,” advises Morin. In the pre-teen years, those can feel more like digging or prying than conversation. “General questions like, ‘What was the best part about your day?’ can give a kid an opportunity to share without feeling like he or she is being interrogated.” Also key at this age: Spending quality time together and allowing the space and circumstance for your child to talk. “Often, they’re willing to talk about bigger issues — like friend drama — when you’re participating in an activity together,” Morin notes. “Providing positive feedback and ensuring that your child feels heard when she shares information is essential to encouraging more conversation.” Parent Tips “I ask if anything weird happened. The word ‘weird’ gets my sixth-grader thinking. And some days, nothing weird happens and the day is just ‘fine.’ That’s the truth and I respect that.” — Suzanne Weber “We play the ‘Rose and the Thorn,’ meaning what’s the best thing that happened today and what’s the worst thing that happened today? It’s a routine, which makes it easier, and often it turns into, ‘Well, I have two roses, or one thorn that turned into a rose.’ It’s non-threatening language that gives them a chance to open up, vent, reflect or commiserate.” — Inha Yang

High School At these older ages, parents can ask big-picture questions. Instead of “Do you ever get bullied?” try “Is bullying a big problem at school?” “Teens are often more willing to discuss general issues first to test your reaction,” says Morin. “If you show support for bully victims, your child may then be more willing to share a personal experience.” The media is also a great tool. “Strike up a conversation about alcohol or dating when you see a movie or news story that deals with the subject,” suggests Morin. That can give you insight into your teen’s world and allow an opportunity to share your values without getting personal about her life. “With high school kids, it’s less important to get a daily play-by-play,” says Morin. “Your teen should have some privacy and the freedom to discuss things with friends rather than parents.” But it’s important to stay in touch with bigger life issues regarding how your child is doing overall and what his future plans are. Parents are still a guiding force for teenagers. Parent Tip “I ask questions about light subjects to get my 14-year-old son talking. Like I’ll ask about who he sat with on the bus, what they talked about… that moves into what else he heard on the bus, whether someone got teased. The conversation grows naturally if there’s something to share.” — Merri Meyer And this teen tip “Non-judgment is key. That I can go to my mom with anything means that I tell her most things. It also helps that my mom talks to me about her day and her life. If she’s comfortable, I can be too.” — Amber K. https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/how-to-get-your-kid-to-talk-about-their-day-102962683842.html

Choosing a Pet? by Bill Beavers

First, lets think about why we are thinking about choosing a pet. Is it because the children have been pestering you forever to get a new puppy or kitten? This is something most know but I feel I have to say it again just for the few that have not had the experience. Your children begging you to choose a pet is not, in itself, a good reason for getting one. Children need to be old enough and mature enough to care for the pet puppy as an example. Consider whether you have time for a pet. They look to you for their food, water, veterinary treatments and love. If your children cannot or will not care for the pet, do you have time to do it. Did you know that in over half of households the female spouse or family member ends up taking care of the family dog or pet. Now this is pretty much common sense but you should think about whether you are allowed to have a pet where you currently reside. Check the regulations if your are a tenant. If pets are allowed are you prepared for the extra amount of deposit money that will be required. Are you prepared for the carpet cleaning necessary when you move? These an other questions should be considered if you are a renter.

How many years are you willing to commit to this new pet? A pet can be a lifelong commitment depending on how old you are when you choose a puppy or other young pet. Personally I had a Dachshund that was with us for 17 years. Cats can live from 10 to 20 years subject to certain medical issues. Other pets like horses, turtles, parrots and other types of birds can live quite a bit longer even 30 to 40 years. None of us have a crystal ball so we do not really know when we will get married, get divorced, relocate sometimes to another country, have children or maybe have grandma move in with us, you know, the one that hates animals. Do your best to look into the future to where a pet will fit in. Once adopted your pet becomes part of the family or to him, the pack. Later separation is hard on everyone. If you should decide to choose a puppy or any type of young pet please know that younger animals require a lot more time to learn the ropes than adult dogs do. Plus, younger animals, especially dogs, do not appreciate being left alone. This is one way separation anxiety develops.

Younger animals need to be taught how to behave in the family or the pack. This cannot completely be done if the house is empty all day. Just as with children, traits developed at the younger ages are traits that stay with them most if not all of their lives. Proper training and interaction at the younger age will pay great dividends immediately and in later years. Believe it or not there are many more considerations when choosing a pet. Those I will touch on in a different article. For now let me leave you by strongly suggesting that you make the decision about choosing a new pet a family decision. Bill Beavers is with http://www.CarryMyDog.com and looks forward to your visit to this informative website. We know you will benefit from the information you will find there. You will find top quality dog crates, pet carriers, pet strollers, dog harnesses, pet playpens and much more. Deep discounts on many products. http://www.carrymydog.com is a valid starting place for improving your pet's quality of life and simplifying yours. All the best... Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Beavers Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3364699

Six Points to Consider when Choosing a Pet for your Child by Hilary Daglish

"Can I have a pet for my birthday, Mum?" says Amelia "Not yet, you're too young" replied Mum This was a common question for several years until one day Mum thought that Amelia is ten now and might be ready for the responsibility of owning and looking after a pet. So what is the best pet for Amelia? How can Mum help her make this important choice? Here are six points to consider when choosing a pet for your child eg Amelia 1. Ask " What kind of pet do you like?" It may be a duck to a dinosaur. You need to set limits as to what pets you are prepared to have, what pets you are able to have eg if you live in an apartment then no Great Danes are allowed and what pets are safe for you to have. Write down the choices.

2.Level of Commitment: Think about what level of commitment Amelia has shown in past projects, like a sport or a hobby. - was she keen at first and then slack off? - did she wear her skates once and leave them lying around? - does her floor look like a jungle? - what is her staying power at things like? You have more pet choices if she is a dedicated person. And her interest should be long enough to see the pet into middle age.

3. What is the 'ick' factor? Is Amelia squeamish at the thought of little gerbil goodies left in the palm of the hand, pet vomit or fussy at the thought of feeding the animal that she mistakenly chose? If so then the pet needs to be a cleaner variety and less hands on - nice tropical fish are great for finicky children. 4. Activity Level: Is Amelia active or more laid back? This is something to consider because trying to get your inactive child to walk a dog is very stressful or giving tropical fish to an energetic person is totally pointless when they could be running a more active pet. 5. Temperament: The saying that 'opposites attract" could be beneficial. If Amelia was shy then a bouncy Boxer may help to break her out of her shell. or if Amelia can't stay still then a gentle pug might calm her down.

6. Responsibility: Who is responsible for this pet? Make sure everyone in the family is aware of this. Even though Amelia asked for a pet she is not totally responsible - it becomes at least partial responsibility of other family members who may, for example, feed the cat or walk the dog from time to time. It is important to make sure Amelia understands the rules and obligations that will be expected of her before bringing a pet home. You can make it clearer with pictures for younger children but Amelia is old enough to get clear worded directions. You can give out rewards and punishments for meeting obligations or not, e.g. if she does not feed the cat then she will loose television watching time.If Amelia is taught responsibility now then she'll turn out to be a responsible adult. Sometimes Amelia may forget certain things in cat care or is sick, have extra school work or extra curricular activities and so it may be time for you or another family member to step in. If you are not prepared to do this then you may need to reconsider getting a pet at this time. The idea about choosing a pet for your child, in this case Amelia, is to give them (or Amelia) the options according to what you want, what you can have with considerations of responsibility and their (or her) personality. Then let them (or her) have their (or her) say at what they (or she) wants. Hopefully a suitable choice can be made which can not only give the family a pet but your child or children (or Amelia) a friend forever.

The Final Outcome of Choosing a Pet for Your Child Let's take the example of Amelia. Amelia is a bright and bubbly girl who loves being active with sport like netball and swimming plus enjoying quiet times with reading and drawing. She also likes socialising with her friends. Her room can get a little messy but it's because she gets carried away with her interests.She doesn't mind the thought of cleaning up animal messes and decided she would like to have a young pet like a puppy or kitten to grow up with. Her parents thought that she would show responsibility towards caring for a puppy or kitten as well as having the right personality. There limiting factor was a small house and back yard. So they all decided that a kitten would be a great pet for Amelia. So what next in the process of choosing a pet for your child. 1. Finding A Pet For you child. In this case a kitten for Amelia 2. Training Your Pet In this case training a Amelia's kitten. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hilary_Daglish

Carry-On Travel Bags - How to pack when you are travelling with children by Bill Hamilton

You're trying to check things off your to-do list before that big trip you're taking in the morning and you seem to be doing okay until it comes time to think about what to put into your carry-on travel bag when you're travelling with children. Whether you're a mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, guardian, friend, relative, or a nanny who'll be travelling with one or more children, you know in a heartbeat that you'd better have what the child needs already packed into your bag, just in case they need it. It can certainly be frustrating when that child asks you for something and you don't have it available. I'm not talking about the child being spoiled and not getting what he wants. I'm talking about thinking in advance what you'll need to pack before the trip to make your travel time go smoother and easier.

When you're travelling by car, it's not quite as demanding as traveling by bus, rail, or by plane. Sure, anyone can find a spare hanky or napkin to hand you in case there's an accidental spill, but what about all those other unforeseen things that require even your most basic necessities? While the following list most certainly isn't an exhaustible list of everything you could possibly need for a child while you're traveling, perhaps this list will serve as your own starting point for creating a "What to Pack" list for your situation.

1. Pack nappies for infants and those toddlers who are prone to have emotional accidents due to new or scary situations. For infants, it's best to pack one nappy for every hour that you'll be in the air or travelling to and from the airport. 2. Pre-moistened, individually wrapped antiseptic paper wipes. These are useful when changing a child's nappy as well as cleaning up messy hands, faces, and minor spills. 3. Bring travel sickness tablets, baby aspirin and other medications that the child may require, even if the child isn't sick. The travel sickness tablets will help with motion sickness, and it comes in handy to calm an impatient and nervous child. 4. Be sure to pack a small activity, cuddly soft sleepy toy, a book, or other item to distract or occupy the child. It will save your nerves and those around you when the child can be briefly entertained.

5. Always pack a thin blanket. It comes in useful for many things such as rolling it up like a pillow, covering a sleeping child, and it comes in handy for keeping you and the child warm. This is especially an essential during air travel since the cabin can become quite cool, and not every airlines these days offers blankets to their passengers-especially if your destination is in a arm location like Mexico or Hawaii. 6. Snacks, snacks, and more snacks. You can never have too many snacks, especially when traveling. If you're travelling by air, the pressure in a child's ears is eased while swallowing liquids or eating solids like crackers, dried fruit, cereal, or finger sandwiches. You can easily put snacks into small zipped-up snack bags. Carrying small amounts of foods in separate packages is preferable to bringing a large bag of pretzels or cheese fishes. 7. Bring bottled water, straws, covered sippy cups and other liquids. These are good to give during take-off and landing, but if you're traveling on land or by rail, it can be the difference between a cranky child and a happy child. 8. Pack a change of clothes for both you and the child. You might think you won't have an accident that would drench your clothes, but for sure if you bring the extra clothes you won't have to stress about any situation that can arise.

Travelling with children can be fun and challenging. To make your next trip more pleasurable, know what to pack and how to pack it in a Clava Leather bag - http://www.clava.com - a worldwide leader in fine leather products. Don't leave home without checking your travel list for what to pack. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Hamilton Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3553610

Travel with children -"Are we there yet?" by Sam Serio

Travelling with children can be a nightmare. Any parent that has had to put up with a child on a long journey will testify to that point! Travel with children is extremely stressful and can indeed test you to the end of your patience. Not only that, there is no way to get away from the child if he or she does start acting spoilt. While spending time with family is extremely important, so is enjoying the experience so you have to have a plan of action prepared well in advance in order to make sure that you can have a relaxing time away from the stresses and strains of modern life!

Before you even set off, you should plan out how you are going to travel with your children. You should always pick a child-friendly destination to travel to if you are taking the whole family with you. Travelling with children to a remote destination that is tailored for adults is not a great idea because they will be constantly complaining that they are bored and thus will ruin your vacation as well. Look for a beach resort with a hotel that offers free activities for children. This will certainly save you money because the beach and free activities will keep the children amused for hours!

You should also think about the food available at the destination. Children are generally fussy eaters and travelling with children can highlight that fact, but if individual resorts offer buffets then this is likely to cater for all tastes! It is always best to choose a hotel offering breakfast only if you are travelling with children. This way, if they do not like the food at the hotel then you have lost absolutely nothing and can find a restaurant elsewhere that they do like! Travelling with children is perhaps the most difficult during the journey, but there are a few tips that can help ease the stress for you. For example, get to the airport early because they can amuse themselves with watching the aeroplanes and it saves the last minute rush than can really see your stress levels rise! Also, if you can get flights during the night then this will also help you to relax because the children will sleep during that time! Always pack a box full of treats when travelling with children too because this will help to keep them quiet throughout the trip! Include snacks like raisins, juices, cereal, rice cakes and fruit, along with some candy for the purpose of bribery if need be! Also, pack a few of their favourite toys and games to keep them amused if they do happen to wake up at any time! If they have comfort toys then be sure to pack those as well because travelling with children can be a nightmare if they do not have them!

When you do get to your destination, the nightmare of children can be far from over if you do not take the necessary precautions to ensure that all runs smoothly. Make sure that you have something different planned for every day to ensure that they do not get bored as a result of repetition. This can be extremely difficult in a resort that caters solely for older children and/or adults. A little research ahead of time can always help, but insist that you all spend the first day exploring so that the children are able to find things that they want to do on their own because this will keep them quiet and give you ammunition should they moan later on! Travelling with children can be a nightmare, but travelling with children can also be an absolute joy. Just make sure that you have done your homework and know ahead of time what to expect and you will find that your vacation falls into the latter category rather than the former! * * * * * * * * * * Sam Serio is the producer of Special Events like the Chincoteague Daffodil Festival and the Chincoteague Blueberry Festival on the beautiful Chincoteague Island, Virginia. To learn about this one-of-a-kind family vacation destination please visit http://www.chincoteagueislandvacations.com and http://www.chincoteagueoutlook.com for an informative tour of Chincoteague Island through videos, entertaining articles and fascinating interviews with local personalities. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Serio Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2438398

Beautiful art and craft kit - a wonderful Christmas gift for an older creative child

The Djeco Art Nouveau Workshop is a stunningly beautiful colour by numbers (well colours actually) for older children that teaches this classic art style. This drawing kit comes with four large preprinted images on very thick card, 2 sheets of stickers, 8 artist quality double ended felt tip pens and a detailed follow by picture instruction book all housed in a very attractive presentation box. Colourful, funky, stylish and wonderful this will make a great gift and the finished work will look fantastic on any wall. Box dimensions 29.5 by 23 by 4cms. Suitable for children aged 9 to 15 years. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001G7X1LQ

Four Healthy Habits for children's Screentime by Rebecca Dodds

If you can barely tear your child away from their tablet, here’s what you need to know about healthy screen time for kids Playing with a tablet, mobile phone or desktop computer can be beneficial for children’s learning and development (not to mention affording parents a break while the kids are occupied), but when is it too much? It can be hard for parents to tell. Here are some guidelines to help you and your children get the most out of screen time.

1. Work out how much screen time is right for your child “Screen time becomes worrying when it impinges on time that children would spend on other play activities that are important for development,” says Lucy Gill, director of apps and technology at Fundamentally Children. “Active, social and imaginative play are vital and it’s hard to get too much of these,” she explains. “Passive screen time, such as television, and more interactive, solitary screen time (playing with tablet games and apps) are fine and even potentially useful in small doses, but these should not encroach on active, social or imaginative play.” Lucy describes what Fundamentally Children calls a ‘balanced play diet’, which, like your child’s food diet, should contain a healthy balance of the different kinds of play. So, when should parents be concerned that their child’s play diet is out of balance? “If a child is spending plenty of time playing actively indoors or outdoors, interacting socially with parents, other adults and children, as well as in imaginative or creative play, then some screen time should not be a concern,” she says. “If children are becoming increasingly reluctant to do anything else and you’re struggling to interest them in playing outside or interacting socially, then decreasing their screen time would be a good step.” A more specific guideline for appropriate length of screen time could be based on your child’s age: “A rule of thumb is that children can, on average, concentrate for about five minutes per years of their life, so at three years old they can concentrate for about 15 minutes,” Lucy explains. “This concentration span is a good basis for the maximum length of a screen time session, as beyond it a child’s usage will become more passive and less developmentally useful.”

2. Make sure your child is getting the most out of their screen time Screen time does not have to be a passive, mindless activity. Children of all ages can benefit from developmental apps and games (sometimes without even realising they are learning!), so it’s important to choose the right content for your child. “We’ve seen children enjoy playing games that have learning or developmental benefits,” says Lucy. “Some are obviously educational yet still fun, and with others the children don’t even notice they are learning – they just see it as a great game. Clearly this is a win for everyone.” Lucy recommends doing some research and finding apps and games that are recommended for your child’s age group and which focus on developing skills that your child is interested in or which you are eager to encourage. 3. Enjoy screen time together “We strongly encourage parents to play apps alongside their children,” says Lucy. “We know parents are often grateful that screen time occupies their children while they get on with other things (as a mother myself, I know this!), but occasionally being with your child while they play allows the child to benefit even more from that time.” Some games suggest ways in which parents can encourage children to play which benefit them within the game or offline, and it’s good to take advantage of these opportunities to gain further benefits. “For example, if a child is playing a screen-based, dress-up or role playing game, encourage them to think more about the characters and roles they are taking on,” suggests Lucy. “At the end of screen time, help them to act out what they’ve seen on screen or engage in some other form of play inspired by whatever captured their interest. This is also a great way to transition away from the screen without a tantrum!”

4. Set consistent limits on screen time If your child is resistant when you say their screen time is over (and most are), it may take some time to establish your house rules regarding tablet or computer usage. “Children of all ages need to have their expectations clearly set,” Lucy advises. “Just as an adult would object if someone came in, with no warning, and swiped their mobile halfway through a text message or turned off the TV during their favourite show, so children will not respond well to screen time being ended unexpectedly.” Setting a time limit, making your child aware of it, warning them when they’re about to reach it and sticking to it consistently is what will help you succeed painlessly here. “There can, of course, be some leeway,” says Lucy, “such as allowing them to play to the end of the level or some other natural end point, but don’t let that turn into several more minutes of play.”

She also suggests using an alarm or the parental control limit feature available on some tablets (“Some children respond better to anyone but their parent heralding the end of play!”) and establishing clear consequences if they do not willingly end screen time. “You might be amazed at how quickly they will hand over the tablet if they know the alternative is that they don’t get to play again for a few days.” Lucy also stresses that it’s important to limit your own screen time around your kids: “Children really don’t respond well to hypocritical behaviour. Make time for your child when they finish their screen time – put away your own screens and agree on an activity to do afterwards in advance.” She also points out: “Making the transition more about what they do next than just putting the screen away will make it much easier.” Try to limit screen time close to your child’s bedtime, too – the blue light from tablet and mobile phone screens is known to interfere with sleep. Visit the Good App Guide on Fundamentally Children to find apps suitable for your child. And check out our collection of free phonics reading and spelling games here. Words: Rebecca Dodd

Exercising with baby - 10 Different Ways

When you have a newborn baby, finding time to exercise can be, well, almost impossible sometimes... or maybe even all the time, depending on how busy baby keeps you. So why not try exercising with baby? Here are some different ways you can incorporate baby into your workouts, so you get that special bonding time as well as a workout: 1. Push-Ups. Have baby lie on the floor on their back. Get yourself in a push-up position with your hands on the floor on either side of baby's head. As you're doing push-ups, you can lower yourself, give baby a kiss, then raise and repeat. 2. Dancing. Make exercising with baby fun; turn on the music and dance around, either with baby in arms (which will give you more of a workout) or as baby watches. Baby will probably enjoy watching as mommy dances around. Add some singing in too for some real entertainment! 3. Housework. Put baby in a carrier while doing your housework. There may be some housework tasks that can't really be done with baby "attached" to you but try certain tasks and see what works for you. The added weight from baby will make doing housework more of a workout. 4. Mommy and Me. Try joining a mommy and me exercise class if there's one in your area. This is not only fun for exercising with baby, but also a great way to meet other moms (if you so desire). There are classes such as yoga, pilates, swimming and stroller fitness that many places offer for mommy and baby to do together. See what types of classes there are where you live and try one out! 5. Swimming. Whether it's taking baby to the beach or a public pool, or even a wading pool, you will get exercise by moving around. You can also have baby sit in one of those baby rings/tubes while you push him/her around as you're swimming. You can also use baby as a weight as you lift him/her up into the air and down again, and repeat that several times to get a good arm workout. Baby will have fun too! 6. Squats. You can do squat exercises with baby as an added weight, or without, whatever is more comfortable with you. If you have knee problems, you may want to do the squats without holding baby. An idea though, is to put baby in something like a bouncy chair on the floor either beside or in front of you, and every time you squat, give them a tickle. To keep them even more entertained, sing as you do your squats. 7. Wii. Okay, this isn't direct exercising with baby, but you can have baby in their baby swing or jumper watching you dance around. It may be pretty entertaining for them. The Wii has many different types of games to get you moving. Find a game that interests you and try it out. Some examples are Dance, Dance Revolution, Wii Fit, Just Dance (1, 2 and 3) and then there is a Biggest Loser one and all kinds of different sports games. 8. Home. Again, this one isn't really exercising with baby directly involved. Try a workout DVD as baby watches you. They are inexpensive and there are a large variety of workouts to choose from. Also, many workout DVDs offer quick workouts nowadays, such as 10, 20 and 30 minute workouts, which is great for a busy mom. So, plop in your workout DVD, put your little one in their baby swing (or somewhere they really like to be) with some favorite toys, and start exercising! 9. Outdoor Walks/Hikes. Get out and enjoy the fresh air with baby in their stroller. Walk around the neighborhood, park, zoo, hiking trails, etc. For a really good workout, try to find somewhere hilly to walk. Also, it is best to do a brisk walk as opposed to just a regular slower walk. If you have a jogging stroller, work your way up to jogging. If you have older kids, they can ride their bikes while you jog to keep up. 10. Pelvic Lifts. Pelvic lifts will target your belly. Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Have baby sit on your abdomen (make sure you're holding them safely). Now, contract your stomach muscles and tilt your pelvis up slightly, hold and repeat. Be creative and make exercising with baby fun. Try to think of new ways where you can do things with your little one while you get exercise at the same time, and you'll shed those pregnancy pounds in no time! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristin_L. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7466721

Create Animals with stickers - children love this Christmas gift!

Colourful,fun,easy - just the activity for Christmas afternoons as an alternative to television! Play with the children or watch them become absorbed with these stickers creating their own imaginary animals or creatures. This encourages creativity and stimulates the imagination. The simplest gifts are often the best.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005W0P490

Princesses Create a Story Stamping Kit - a fantastic Christmas gift for a creative child

Know any little princesses or princes?
This is a wonderful gift for any child aged 6 and up to encourage their creativity and stimulate their imagination. It's a really absorbing activity for a cold or rainy afternoon and provides a marvellous alternative to television,videeo or computers.
Children will be inspired to make up stories using the 10 beautifully illustrated sheets. They use the 3 stencils sheets to draw patterns and scenes and there are 10 character stamps to bring them to life. The kit also includes a stamp pad and ideas booklet and it is presented in a beautiful princess box.
Dimensions L23.5 x H23 x D4cm http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001G7UXMG

Craft Ideas using tape and other household supplies by M Chris

Rainy days, cancelled school, or just another Sunday will often find children being stuck indoors and complaining about boredom. Why not make the day interesting and fun making crafts and projects using supplies that are most likely just lying around the house? Using ordinary objects such as coat hangers and glow in the dark tape can turn a dull day into one full of learning and excitement.

Create the solar system! Using the glow in the dark tape and a coat hanger help the kids build their very own solar system they can hang in their rooms. This is a great way to teach them about the solar system (even if the internet is needed for some brushing up) while giving them something to do for the time being and they can enjoy for several weeks to come.

Get silly with the creating. Parents and children alike can have a blast coming up with costume ideas using household items. Create an alien spacesuit from tin foil and the glow in the dark tape to go with the solar system or dress up an old costume with it. Glow in the dark tape comes in a variety of colors and the kids' excitement with their creation will be rejuvenated when it gets dark outside and they can still see their creations in the dark. They may even want to go to bed on time, even if it is just to see their creation in a dark room.

Speaking of dark rooms have them decorate and old lamp using the tape. The light from the lamp will help to charge the tape and when the lights are off, voila, the lamp will still light up the room. Kids will love being creative making animal or flower shapes in the tape or simply wrapping it around so it covers the entire lamp shade or base. However they choose to decorate the lamp it will surely give them an hour or two or creative fun.

Use those old socks and put on a puppet show. Using old socks, yarn and a marker have them make puppets and come up with their own puppet show. Be the audience or join in on the fun. Sock puppets are an easy project and can work for a variety of different ages.

Tape these days comes in a wide assortment of colors and patterns. Help the kids pick an item, perhaps a headband or an old cup and they can decorate the item using the tape. Wrapping tape around the cup or headband is one way to do it but, with help from an adult, they can also cut out shapes and adhere them to the items. Stickers would also be a fun option but by using tape it will be more adhesive and more likely to stick to the object for a longer period of time.

A great idea for a day stuck indoors, especially in the early spring or fall, is to make a kite. Several kids can work on one kite or they can all make their own. Get out tape, ribbon, paper, markers, string and whatever else is laying around and let the kids go crazy. They can make an animal or just decorate it to their liking. Then they can hang them in their rooms until the next windy day and take them out for a fly.

Craft ideas using items already lying around the house are endless. With a little creative thinking, and some help from the internet, parents and caregivers can give their kids a day filled with fun and save them from boredom. Teaching them creative ways to use their time and helping them learn are great ways to beat the monotony of a day indoors for both parents and children.

NonSlip Tapes supplies a large range of anti-slip products for homes and businesses. With their customer's safety constantly in mind, they offer a range of non-slip supplies to suit the needs of everyone. From bath mats and hand rails to every form of anti-slip tape imaginable they are sure to have the product that anyone needs. Their tape comes in variety of sizes and colors and features a superior adhesive to ensure it remains in place through all sorts of traffic and conditions. They strive to get their customers their orders quickly and even offer international shipping. They are known for offering competitive prices so call them for a quote or stop by their website at http://www.nonsliptapes.com today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Chris

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Simplifying all things household with the once-a-week rule by Katie O;Brien

The average to-do list never seems to stop growing... and yet things never seem to really get accomplished... do they?

It's a nasty side-effect of being overwhelmed for sure... but what if you could make things a little simpler at home with those chaotic to-do lists? I've found the number one time-suck for mothers who want to simplify their lives is the never-ending household to-dos.

So to simplify this I've developed the Once-A-Week Rule. And it works like a charm!

• The Once-A-Week Rule is setting time aside each week on the same day each week around the same time to do the same tasks.

Need an example?

So Sunday evenings you could plan the meals for the week ahead. Wednesday afternoons, vacuum. Wednesday evenings, laundry. Tuesday evenings could be for cleaning bathrooms. Thursday afternoons you could grocery shop and run errands.

So to the average person this might just sound like a regular old schedule. And in a way it is... but it's actually so much more.

The benefit of following the Once-A-Week Rule is you only have to worry about things once a week. And you only have to do these things once a week.

Let me explain...

By following the Once-A-Week Rule it allows you the opportunity to be fully present with the tasks at hand instead of worrying about what else needs to get done that day... or that week. This Rule also forces you to get what you need done in the appointed day/time slot without feeling the need to worry about anything else in that moment.

By having a specific day and time scheduled, you automatically know that's what you'll be doing and that's when you'll take care of that particular task... thus removing the worry and dread of reviewing your to-do lists all throughout the day and wondering when you'll fit it all in.

If you want to start using this rule you'll want to start with the following:

1. Determine what NEEDS to get done throughout your week. Take special note of things you're doing multiple times throughout the week.


2. Next, commit to doing the laundry, vacuuming, bathrooms, dusting, etc. once a week. It IS possible, I promise! You just have to believe it is and then find a way to make it happen. You can take one full day for these or break it up throughout the week.


3. Next, you'll want to try it out. Do you need more time? Did you realize you need less time when you eliminate distractions? After trying it out, customize it so it fits your lifestyle.

Take note of what happens when you take a little upfront time to plan accordingly and only make one trip to the grocery store that week. Then see what happens when you let the laundry sit for a few days extra and then do one large batch of laundry. Recognize it's not juts saving you time but helping your sanity.

Ask yourself right now, how would your current situation be different if you decided to only run errands once a week?

How would your stress level shift if you only cleaned your house once a week?

What would it take to follow this Once-A-Week Rule in your house? And now when will you be making this happen??

If you love this rule and will be giving it a GO in your house, let me know! Use the buttons below to share via social media and let everyone know how it's working for you!

--

Katie O'Brien is a Life Coach who is on a mission to inspire a happier, simpler motherhood experience. She writes about real life, moving through everyday stress and how to find inner peace as a busy mom. Learn more and connect with Katie at http://katieobrien.com.

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Encouraging your children to be creative through writing by Rebecca F Pittman

I am an 8-time published author who was fortunate enough to be raised by a mother who set no limits on what life could offer her. I was encouraged to draw, write, sing, act and go after every dream in which I found excitement and wonder. What a gift!

Children will see life as an amazing array of open doors, or one of closed-off opportunities and limits. The difference in their perspective comes from the people in their early years who they see as authoritative and powerful: parents, teachers, family members, peers, etc. If they are taught that life is a plethora of creative opportunities and handed the tools to begin that creative process, the world becomes an amazing place filled with magic and fulfilled dreams.

Too often children are raised believing life is only to be endured. It may not be said in words within the home but they pick up the signals in their parent's constant talk of unpaid bills, broken cars, disappointing jobs and unhappy lives. Do we really want our children to begin life fearing it, or feeling there is a ceiling over their heads that they can never penetrate? Life has no limits. None! Our creative minds have the keys to create a lifetime of happiness and abundance.

I began writing when I was eight years-old. I began drawing at the same time. My mother encouraged my creative interests by keeping me supplied with paper, pencils, art books and an easel. From an early age I was writing stories of mystery and fantasy. She dutifully sat and listened to what were some very lame attempts at short stories, but always smiled and said they were wonderful and to keep going. I did. The stories became more polished over the years. I have a file cabinet stuffed with old manuscripts that date back to my youth.

Today, to see my books published through traditional publishing houses and through my own self-publishing efforts is a thrill I can't define. I have also, to date, painted over 3,000 murals all across the country. My mother passed away in 2008 and her support, enthusiasm and love are missed in my life everyday. To give your child the gift of imagination and words of encouragement that say "You can do this! I believe in you!" is a very priceless present.

Encourage your children to be creative. It will impact every area of their lives. They will learn to think outside the box, engineer new opportunities, go after their dreams and live a life that serves them and brings them happiness. Creative people never settle for others' limitations or walls.

Give your child a journal and encourage them to write down their experiences: at home, at play, at school. Tell them to invent a character that gets into all kinds of interesting situations, and then have them find a way out of those challenges. This teaches them at an early age to be problem solvers and inventive. Give them a drawing pad and pencils so they can illustrate their work. Never criticize their words or art. You can shut down the joy very quickly by being too perfectionistic. Their craft will improve on its own. Give them the freedom to express themselves in their own way. They will have plenty of people channeling their thoughts when they are in school. There is no wrong way to express yourself in art. Van Gough is a case in point.

Those little minds that have been entrusted to you, look to you for their GPS in this world. Teach them all roads are open and detours are only opportunities to see other sights. And... coloring inside the lines is optional.

Rebecca F. Pittman is a motivational speaker, TV Talk Show Host and author. Her latest book, T.J. Finnel and the Well of Ghosts, is a children's novel geared to the middle grade market through adult, and has been compared to Fablehaven and Harry Potter. The sequel is due out Spring of 2015. This is book one of a five-book series.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_F_Pittman

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Give Play Back to Childrenby Jason Fernandez Walter

Recently, children have had their playtime obstructed and cut down by a big margin from what they had a couple of years ago. The freedom of play was missing from society for a long while and now, it seems as if it's something no one actually cares enough to bring back. After all, children were only made to focus on academics only and not on play, right? Wrong!

Longer school hours and piling heaps of homework on children has contributed greatly to this outcome and now, most schools and parents are calling for a sanction on playtime at schools, to which we have only one exclamation to make: you're being idiotic. Sure academics help children to learn, but what many have forgotten is the play is the basis of learning for all children under the age of 10. Without the basis, all you're doing is creating further problems for any future academic failings. There's a reason why Finland requires its children to be seven years of age before they begin school. And they have the highest educational standards and results in the world! What's more is that finish elementary schools give children up to 75 minutes of recess time every day whereas elementary schools in the United States can only muster an average of 27 minutes.

Overburdening children with hours and hours of studying times and homework is only going to result in a stressful environment. The days when stress and anxiety were problems faced by adults only are long gone - and children as young as 5 years old can succumb to these mental problems too. As for the argument that playing will only bring the learning capabilities of children down, recent studies have shown that higher playing times and better grades at school have a direct link.

And it's just not studies in which your children can excel if playing times are increased, but their overall development is brought under the light as well. The physical, cognitive, social and emotional aspects of a child are developed massively which all help the child to hone multiple skills in later life and also ensures their brain development is undertaken in the best possible way. Play also helps the bond between a child and his/her parent or caregiver to be strengthened in more ways than one.

First of all, the communication barrier between the two is improved vastly and children learn to let their feelings and emotions known in a more positive way. And secondly, they also learn of each others limitations, wants, likes and dislikes, which helps the relationship to grow. Play helps children to accept other children; realize their shortcomings and work together to minimize them. Emotionally, they also develop friendships and likeness towards each other and get along and resolve conflicts whenever needed.

So you can see from today's assessment (although a relatively minor one) that play is just as important (if not more) than academics for children and there is no way it should be limited or cut down. Instead, we should work on ways to increase playtime as much as possible.

An avid researcher and keen blogger and writer, Jason Walter spends most of his time at playgrounds with his children and on outdoor playground equipment. He also finds ways of conjuring up ways parents can help their children. Jason believes that children shape a healthy society and are its future and draws inspiration for his work from is two sons. You can read more of his writings and you can follow him at Preschool playground equipment.

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6 Little Behaviour problems you shouldn't ignore by Pamela Kramer - Problem 6

Last but not least, here is problem behaviour number 6 ;

Exaggerating the Truth

Why you shouldn't ignore it: It may not seem like a big deal if your child says he made his bed when he barely pulled up the covers, or if he tells a friend that he's been to Walt Disney World when he's never even been on a plane, but it's important to confront any type of dishonesty head-on. "Lying can become automatic if your child learns that it's an easy way to make himself look better, to avoid doing something that he doesn't want to do, or to prevent getting into trouble for something he's already done," Dr. Wyckoff says.

How to stop it: When your child fibs, sit down with him and set the record straight. Say, "It would be fun to go to Disney World, and maybe we can go some day, but you shouldn't tell Ben that you've been there when you really haven't." Let him know that if he doesn't always tell the truth, people won't believe what he says. Look at his motivation for lying, and make sure he doesn't achieve his goal. For example, if he said that he brushed his teeth when he didn't, have him go back and brush them. When 5-year-old Sophia Hohlbaum started stretching the truth, her mom, Christine, told her the story of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," in which a boy who'd been lying cries for help for real and people ignore him. "Storytelling helps kids view the problem from the outside in," says Hohlbaum, author of Diary of a Mother: Parenting Stories and Other Stuff. "Now Sophia's very straightforward with me?and she's very self-righteous if I don't believe her."

http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/behavioral/problems-you-shouldnt-ignore/

6 Little Behaviour Problems you shouldn't ignore by Pamela Kramer: Problem 5

Having a Little Attitude

Why you shouldn't ignore it: You may not think your child is going to roll her eyes or use a snippy tone until she's a preteen, but sassy behavior often starts when preschoolers mimic older kids to test their parents' reaction. "Some parents ignore it because they think it's a passing phase, but if you don't confront it, you may find yourself with a disrespectful third-grader who has a hard time making and keeping friends and getting along with teachers and other adults," Dr. Borba says.

How to stop it: Make your child aware of her behavior. Tell her, for example, "When you roll your eyes like that, it seems as if you don't like what I'm saying." The idea isn't to make your child feel bad but to show her how she looks or sounds. If the behavior continues, you can refuse to interact and walk away. Say, "My ears don't hear you when you speak to me that way. When you're ready to talk nicely, I'll listen."

http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/behavioral/problems-you-shouldnt-ignore/

Look out for final problem number 6 tomorrow!

6 Little Behaviour Problems you shouldn't ignore by Pamela Kramer :Problem number 4

It is always good to encourage initiative in children but they can share their plans and intentions with us before taking action! This prevents them getting themselves into trouble later when socializing and helps them avoid danger in the home.

Taking Without Asking

Helping Himself to a Treat

Why you shouldn't ignore it: It's certainly convenient when your child can get his own snack or pop in a DVD, but letting him have control of activities that you should regulate doesn't teach him that he has to follow rules. "It may be cute when your 2-year-old walks along the counter to get the cookies out of the cabinet, but just wait until he's 8 and goes to visit a friend who lives three blocks away without asking," Dr. Wyckoff says.

How to stop it: Establish a small number of house rules, and talk about them with your child often ("You have to ask whether you can have sweets because that's the rule"). If your child turns on the TV without permission, for instance, tell him to turn it off and say, "You need to ask me before you turn on the television." Stating the rule out loud will help him internalize it.

When 3-year-old Sloan Ibanez took some markers without asking and colored one of her arms completely yellow, her mom, Tanzy, told her that she couldn't help with painting a garage-sale sign later that afternoon. "She cried, but I knew I had to nip this in the bud or else I'd pay the price later because she'd do it again and again," says Ibanez, of Lewiston, Texas.

Look out for problem number 5 tomorrrow!

http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/behavioral/problems-you-shouldnt-ignore/

Baby Sleep Training Guide by Ruth Dearing

5 Ways to help baby sleep

Baby Sleep Training Tip #1 - MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL!

The best baby advice I can give is to do anything - and I mean ANYTHING - you can to prevent your baby from becoming over-tired. A tired baby is one thing, an over-tired baby is quite another and can be a very difficult situation to handle. So when it comes to training your baby to sleep, what's the name of the game?

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN A CURE!

Once you see and hear that your baby is tired it's vital you commence settling him to sleep before he gets past the point of tiredness into that over-tired stage.

Baby Sleep Training Tip #2 - How Do You Know Your Baby Is Tired?

As new parents with a newborn baby it may not be so obvious that your baby is crying because he is tired. The aim is to recognise the tired signs and tone of the cry early in order to prevent over-tiredness.

So what are the signs he is tired?

He is crying - listen for the tone of the cry
He seems clumsy - easier to tell in an older baby
He has recently been fed so is not hungry
He has no wind
He is comfortable - not too hot and not too cold
He has a clean diaper
He is not over or under-stimulated
He has been awake for a while
As your baby hits the three-month mark it becomes a little easier as he will gave you the tired sign by rubbing his eyes.

Baby Sleep Training Tip #3 - Figure Out Which Techniques Work Best For You And Your Baby

Different babies may respond differently to the various techniques you can use to encourage sleep, so the sooner you determine which work best for you the better for everyone's sake! Here are several ways to help your baby sleep:

Training Your Baby To Sleep Where He Will Wake Up

If possible, it's best to settle your baby in the same place as he will wake up, ie in his bassinet or cot, not on your chest so you then have to relocate him once he's fallen asleep. If this doesn't happen he is more likely to cry as soon as he wakes up as he may not know where he is or where you are. If he knows where he is he's more likely to continue peacefully into his second sleep cycle (a sleep cycle in a baby lasts for about 45 minutes).

Training Your Baby To Sleep By Rocking Him

Put your hand on your baby's tummy or chest and rock him from side to side. Don't be too rough but also don't be too gentle, newborn babies like this movement and he will not break with your hand moving backwards and forwards.

Persevere with the rocking even if your baby is screaming and it doesn't appear to be working. Generally newborn babies don't fall asleep instantly and need some time to unwind, just like adults. Often it can seem like you are fighting a losing battle, but if you persevere just a little bit longer the magic will happen
Training Your Baby To Sleep By Singing

One of the best things about babies is that they are not critical, and they really don't care about your singing ability! Your baby will find your soft voice soothing as it's something she recognizes and feels comfortable with. Sing the same lullaby each time you train her to sleep as she will appreciate the familiarity and will like the repetition, and will quickly understand that when you sing that lullaby it's time for her to go to sleep.

Training Your Baby To Sleep With Music

Some parents find putting on the same CD at the right time is effective in training their baby to sleep, however be warned this can make it very difficult to get your baby to sleep without the music - which you may regret when it's sleeping time and you are not at home.

Training Your Baby To Sleep In Comfort

It probably goes without saying that your baby needs to be given every reason to be happy and relaxed in order to fall asleep. This means making her comfortable so that she is not too hot or cold. If she is used to using a pacifier (or dummy) then give it to her to help her stay calm for comfort.

Training Your Baby To Sleep By Staying Calm

One thing that worked well for me was recognizing when I was starting to panic that my baby wouldn't go to sleep. If your baby feels you are not relaxed he will find it more difficult to settle as he will pick up on your emotional state.

If you are holding your baby make sure you breathe calmly using slow, deep breaths. You may not feel calm but you need to pretend you are for as long as it takes for your baby to fall asleep, ie fake it 'til you make it!

Baby Sleep Training Tip #4

A baby's sleep cycle lasts just 45 minutes, and as a new parent you'll soon realize that a newborn baby needs more than one sleep cycle to be content in order to be happy and awake. If your baby wakes up and cries after his first sleep cycle, go into his room and settle him back to sleep again. You may pick him up briefly for a quick cuddle but as per before, it's better that he falls asleep in the same position he will wake up.

Baby Sleep Training Tip #5

If you are out and about and your baby is tired, a pram is a great place to sleep. The natural movement of the pram should help your baby sleep so if you're not walking anyway, still move the pram so the rocking movement will have the effect of settling your baby.

Some babies also sleep well in a car for the same reason.

I have no doubt that if you put these baby sleep training tips to good use they will work for you - best of luck!

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